Napoli have defeated Palermo 3-0 at home in Serie A to reduce the deficit between them and leaders Juventus to five points.

The Rosanero had an early chance at Stadio San Paolo, as Andrea Dossena tested Morgan De Sanctis with a fierce strike at his near post.

Palermo went close again on 26 minutes as Anselmo's drive went narrowly wide.

However, it was Napoli who broke the deadlock in Naples and the opening goal of the afternoon came on the half-hour mark.

Marek Hamsik put in a good cross from the left that Christian Maggio headed home with ease from just six yards.

Walter Mazzarri's side went 2-0 up four minutes later when Gokhan Inler cut in from the right and unleashed an unstoppable shot that left Palermo goalkeeper Samir Ujkani stranded.

Palermo could have halved the deficit moments later though, when Édgar Barreto's free kick came off the Napoli crossbar.

Hamsik could have made it 3-0 to Napoli in the opening minutes of the second half when he took an attempt from outside the box, but failed to keep it on target.

The Naples outfit continued to control the game as the second half progressed and scored their third goal on 73 minutes, Lorenzo Insigne turning home Inler's cross from close range.